BORO’S need for a new striker was highlighted in glorious technicolour as they drew a blank in a harsh defeat at Easter Road.

Gareth Southgate’s men created a host of chances - especially in the opening 20 minutes when Boro were bright and aggressive - and had a Stewart Downing goal ruled out for offside.

But one-up-front Boro were unable to apply the finishing touch in an entertaining clash, allowing substitute Ross Campbell to bobble home the winner in the closing seconds when a draw looked like being the fair and final outcome.

Southgate will this week step up his attempts to lure Alan Smith to the Riverside and an additional front-runner to replace the departed Mark Viduka could be the final piece of the jigsaw.

There were enough positive aspects in Boro’s performance to build on looking ahead to the season opener with Blackburn.

A defence including debutant Luke Young and young central defensive duo David Wheater and Andrew Davies did well to put the brakes on the direct home attack.

And Boro gave as good as they got for long spells against a youthful and energetic Hibs side preparing to kick off their SPL campaign against city rivals Hearts a week today, with impressive displays from the likes of George Boateng, Julio Arca and Wheater.

Tuncay had a chance to grab his first Boro goal after just 45 seconds when he stung keeper Yves Ma-Kalambay’s palms from close range following Young’s pass.

And the Turk showed signs of developing a promising telepathy with his fellow newcomer as they linked to effect down the right early on.

Young made a steady Boro bow as he looked to get forward and produced a couple of timely challenges, Boateng was a strong blend of steel and simplicity, while Yakubu ploughed a lone furrow with support from Tuncay and Downing.

The Nigerian had two good opportunities in the first 20 minutes but saw Kalambay deny him both times as his goal drought from open play continued.

While Yakubu’s influence is key to Boro’s immediate future prospects, they got a glimpse into their past as former full-back David Murphy stabbed a close range effort wide and cracked in a series of free-kicks.

Arca’s pot-shot from distance was not too far off target before the break, while Downing flashed a shot at Kalambay before the linesman’s flag denied him a goal after a sublime Tuncay ball over the top.

A flurry of substitutions gave the game a more fragmented feel in the second half, and a stalemate was on the cards until the deadlock was broken in the final seconds.

A Boro defence which had been busy but firm nodded off, allowing Benji to scamper down the left and cross for the unmarked Campbell to bundle home.